A recent episode of Jeopardy! features several clues from an unlikely source. The Jeopardy! episode in question features references to two of Nintendo's most popular franchises.
The popular evening trivia game show has been broadcasting weeknights for nearly 40 years. While the show had been solely helmed by Alex Trebek, the longtime Jeopardy! host passed away last November after an extensive battle with cancer. The show currently has former contestant Ken Jennings serving as an interim host.
The episode aired on February 1 features a question about Animal Crossing: New Horizons, as well as one associated with Pokemon Sword and Shield. Both of the questions are fairly straightforward in premise, asking the contestants to name the game the clue is referring to. The Animal Crossing clue mentions players building their own paradise, while the Pokemon clue talks about trainers challenging gym leaders, both hallmarks of each respective title. The clue becomes even more apparent by including parts of the game's actual title. None of the contestants buzzed in for either clue, although it isn't the first time Jeopardy! players have failed at answering video game questions.
Pokemon and Animal Crossing were clues on Jeopardy today! (No one rang in for either one) from NintendoSwitch
Both titles the Jeopardy! contestants were unaware of continue to do well. Animal Crossing: New Horizons just reached an impressive sales milestone, becoming the third fastest-selling Nintendo game ever. The island life simulator is also the best-selling entry in the Animal Crossing series. Additionally, Pokemon Sword and Shield is now the third-highest selling of any Pokemon game, just behind Gold and Silver. The latest entry in the long-running series introduces players to the Galar region, a key term in the Jeopardy! clue.
While video game questions tend to be answered incorrectly (or not at all), it isn't for a lack of Jeopardy! trying. The show has regularly interspersed its questions with gaming, even cleverly referencing a popular meme from Call of Duty. It would seem that vast majority of Jeopardy! contestants aren't very in tune with the gaming community, or at least Nintendo. It would have been a different story had Reddit users been playing, with many commenting on the image thread about yelling at their TVs and being upset both questions went unanswered.
While Jeopardy! will likely remain on-air for years to come thanks to its evergreen format, many fans believe it won't be the same without Alex Trebek. Fortunately, actor Ryan Reynolds has revealed the late host has a cameo in his upcoming film, Free Guy.